Thursday 21st September 2017

18:30 – 23:00

The Waldorf Hilton,

Aldwych, London WC2B 4DD

FINALISTS

11th ANNUAL PRECIOUS AWARDS

The annual PRECIOUS Awards is the biggest event in the PRECIOUS calendar, now in its 11th year. We are passionate about recognising success in the workplace and inspiring women of colour to launch their own businesses.

Association with the PRECIOUS Awards is a powerful way to get stories of success heard, recognised and applauded. The Awards, growing in stature with each passing year, attracts an audience of the influential to the aspirational, across all sections of society from Theresa May, Nick Clegg, Baroness Amos to the thousands of dedicated and avid PRECIOUS fans, eager to celebrate inspiring women.

Winners and finalists of PRECIOUS Awards stand out from the crowd; the distinction sends a resoundingly positive message to customers and attracts new business. The PRECIOUS Awards is supported by the wider business community, government and the press, and brings credibility and honour to all category nominees.

All entries are judged by a panel of top business people, thereby increasing the visibility of the nominee. PRECIOUS is proud to applaud and highlight the enterprise and innovation of women of colour, who rank among the brightest of stars contributing to contemporary UK plc.

CATEGORIES

SPONSORS

Supporting Sponsors

CATEGORIES

Start-Up Business of the Year

This category recognises those women that have just started out on their entrepreneurial journey. Nominees in this category can be from any business sector and must have been in business for at least six months (trading for six months as at 1 June 2017).

The SME Business of the Year

This category is open to any business formed or operated by a woman of colour. The business needs to be able to show at least one-year’s set of accounts and should have a turnover not exceeding £5m per annum. Judges will look for evidence of a well-managed business, a pattern of

increase in turnover, and a clear brand identity.

The Social Enterprise of the Year Award

This award is open to any social enterprise operated or owned by a woman of colour. Judges will look at the impact the business is having on the local or wider community and consider the cause that the enterprise is supporting. Applications in this category should be supported by evidence of the benefit that the enterprise has achieved for its target market.

The Leadership Award

This award will go to a woman of colour who has a leadership role within the workplace. Nominees will have experience of leading a team of people, a department, function or management, where autonomous decisions are made and where responsibility lies. Judges will look for examples of strong leadership; a personable approach to those affected by the decisions of the leader, and will consider the views of colleagues of the leader in terms of inspiration, leadership style and outcomes.

The Outstanding Woman in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

The award is open to women of colour working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Applications are welcomed from individuals from these disciplines who have a clearly defined career path, and who, by endeavouring to be exceptional, have achieved outstanding success in their career to date.

The Creative Business of the Year

This award is for a creative business owned by a woman of colour and based in the creative sector (PR, design, TV, music advertising or marketing.) The business must have been trading for at least 18 months.Entrants must also demonstrate a considered approach to financial achievement and future business success.

The Outstanding Woman in the Public Sector

The award is open to any woman of colour working in the public sector. Applications are welcome from individuals from all careers within the public sector, including but not limited to housing, healthcare, local authorities, services, education. Judges will look for women who have a clearly defined career path and who, by exceptional effort, have achieved outstanding success in their career to date.

The Outstanding Woman in Banking and Finance

This award celebrates top talent in the banking and finance industry. The award will go to a woman of colour who has demonstrated leadership, innovative thinking or community service in this sector. Nominations are welcome from the following:

sectors that perform financial functions in relevant departments (such as treasury) of other businesses or not-for-profits

banking and building societies; financial planning; insurance, Investments and pensions

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Open to entrepreneurs aged 29 and under. Judges will consider the journey undertaken by the entrepreneur from concept to reality, the barriers that were overcome, the determination and passion behind the business, and the results. Judges will also consider the business model, the product/service and the aspirations of the business.

The Outstanding Woman in Professional Services

The award is open to women working in the professional services sector. Applications are welcomed from individuals from all areas of this sector in particular those that have a clearly defined career path and who through their exceptional endeavour, have achieved outstanding success in their career to date.

PAST WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP

ABOUT THE PRECIOUS AWARDS

The PRECIOUS Awards, founded in 2007 to celebrate and applaud the professional achievements of women of colour in the UK, has a dynamic, passionate, grassroots following, this is down to a decade of bringing brilliant, often media-marginalised, women of colour into the spotlight.

The Awards celebrate the best of British, recognising exceptional determination, innovation, entrepreneurial skills and talent across multiple categories. Consequently, the Awards have prompted successive UK Prime Ministers, and leading political voices from across the political spectrum, to passionately proclaim their support and admiration.

In January 2017 UK PM Theresa May said “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the substantial contribution of Black and Asian female entrepreneurs. I am pleased to know of the support you give to women of colour in the business and work environment, and your work to create and celebrate vital role models through your awards.” David Cameron described the Awards as “vital”.

Many of our previous winners have gone on to further success after picking up a PRECIOUS Award, Bianca Miller; our Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2014, has gone on to hack into the fashion sector with her redefining nude brand of tights. Our Entrepreneur of the Year 2010 Geeta Sidhu, founder of organic food delivery Nosh Detox, has gone on to build a million pound turnover business. Looking to the future and conscious of the impact of the Awards in creating role models, Foluke Akinlose MBE, founder, expanded the Awards in 2015 to encompass The PRECIOUS GIRLS Awards profiling the achievement of girls aged 10-15.

I am pleased to know of the support you give to women of colour in the business and work environment, and your work to create and celebrate vital role models through your awards."

THERESA MAY

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11th

INCREDIBLE YEAR

176,008

@PRECIOUS_Awards

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PAST WINNERS & FINALISTS

11th ANNUAL

CELEBRATING WOMEN OF COLOUR

Read more about Category Sponsor Santander

CATEGORY SPONSOR

SME Business of the Year

Santander is committed to helping our customers prosper by working with them to take advantage of new opportunities and plan for the future.

We’re passionate about helping ambitious businesses to succeed. Building long-lasting relationships with SMEs runs deep in our heritage. We’ve come to know and understand the needs of our customers, which has helped us to appreciate the challenges they face and the support they need to overcome them.

Santander Breakthrough has championed the cause of Women Business Leaders from the inception of the programme in 2011. By engaging with partners like Cause4, Enterprising Women, and now PRECIOUS, the Breakthrough programme supports female entrepreneurs through facilitating Business education programmes, Mentor schemes for Women Business Leaders, and bespoke events. All activity is aimed at providing Women Business Leaders with the support of, discussions with and access to high profile, successful business women who can help them transform their business.

Funke Abimbola is Managing Counsel, Data Privacy Officer and Company Secretary for Roche, leading the legal team that supports Roche’s pharmaceutical operations in the UK, Ireland, Malta and Gibraltar. Roche is the world’s largest biotech company.

An award-winning solicitor, she is a recognised legal expert within the UK life sciences sector and is listed in several international legal directories as an expert in her field. She won the Association of Women Solicitors’ 2012 in-house lawyer of the year award and was recently crowned Career Woman of the Year at the 2015 Women4Africa awards.

Importantly, Funke is a notable diversity champion within the UK legal industry and has received national and European recognition for her diversity work, all of which is carried out in her spare time on a voluntary basis.

She speaks regularly at legal and diversity conferences in the UK and abroad, addressing and advising state school students as part of Speakers for Schools and supports University students as a Professional Ambassador for Aspiring Solicitors (an organisation devoted to breaking down entry-level barriers for solicitors from under-represented groups). She is also a Senior Champion for the Women in Law London network, committed to supporting the pipeline of women lawyers. She is an experienced and expert mentor and sponsor. @DiversityChamp1

Milly J Shoes is a small founder owned business which specialises in zany decorated footwear. Milly J Shoes started in late 2011, extending a hobby of the founder, Emily Jupp after the passing of her artist brother. Milly, as she prefers to be called, transformed ordinary shoes into works of art (sculptures), a transformation which took place through her creativity and magic at home in her own living room in Hertfordshire.

As a result of considerable interest created when she first joined Twitter, she recognised that people were keen to commission these pieces not just as sculptures but as shoes they wanted to wear. This led to the establishment of the second component of her business; ‘Art to Wear’ in 2012. This was followed by the establishment of ‘Bridal Shoes by Milly J’ which provides brides-to-be an opportunity to have a unique pair of shoes made especially for them for their special day. @millyjshoes @millyjwedding

Kerrine began working at CB&I 10 years ago as a graduate electrical engineer. CB&I designs, engineers and constructs some of the world’s largest energy infrastructure projects, providing a full spectrum of Engineering, Procurement and Construction solutions and proven process technologies.

Kerrine has worked on various onshore and offshore oil and gas projects around the world, with experience from Front End Engineering Design (FEED), through to construction and commissioning. Her role as an engineer has taken her around the world, from suppliers in Bradford to fabrication yards in South Korea.

In 2014 she was listed by Management Today Magazine and The Sunday Times as one of the UKs top 35 women in business under the age of 35. Kerrine is a volunteer mentor for the IET and a STEM Ambassador, with a passion for educating youngsters on what engineering is really about. This led her to set up Butterfly Books, and work with her brother and a close friend to publish the children’s picture book ‘My Mummy is an Engineer’. @KerrineBryan

In 2012 Rashada co-founded (with Tunji Akintokun) formed Your Future, Your Ambition (YFYA) a social enterprise inspiring the next generation of diverse talent into Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) fields by showcasing diverse professionals already in STEM via a series of exhibitions, panel events and mentoring schemes.

In the last four years YFYA has engaged over 2000 young people (aged 7 – 23), introduced the students to “real role models” which include inspiring engineers and scientists. The young people that engage with the YFYA ambassadors have provided an overall satisfaction rating of 4.5/5.0 and 90% of the students stated after attending YFYA they would consider applying for a job in STEM. The success of YFYA has been recognised by the Business in the Community initiative, Race for Opportunity for its efforts to improve and enhance the employability skills of young BAME people. www.yourfutureyourambition.com

It was the year 2000 when Kelle experienced an aggressive bout of degenerative symptoms (including arthritic joint pain, severe mouth and skin ulcers and hair loss.) Doctors diagnosed Kelle with Systemic Lupus Erythematosis, and she was hospitalised for treatment. In the same year she was given the great honour of becoming a celebrity patron of the Saint Thomas Lupus Trust, a cause she continues to campaign to raise awareness of.

Behind the scenes, Kelle was busy developing her own media brand, Advocate Agency – promoting and managing artists, under the ethos of “inspiring self belief in infinite possibilities”. Incorporated in 2000, the company’s aim is to champion the underdog, the presumed “no hopers” who other agencies wouldn’t take the chance at signing. From the 4ft actress to the ex con, Kelle makes it her mission to place these people on the stage and TV, giving them a chance to show the world their talents. Some of agency’s success stories include Eastenders’ very own Ricky Norwood, who amassed 1 million views in 48 hours after taking to social media to give his thoughts on one of the show’s biggest storylines of this year. Today Kelle lives life to its fullest, balancing her roles of wife & mother of two small children, entrepreneur and TV personality, with the new appreciation and perspective as a result of the Lupus diagnosis which she now lives with.

Runners-Up:

Ndidi Okezie, Executive Director, The Regions Division, Teach First

June Eric-Udorie – Girls’ Rights Campaigner @juneericudorie.

Whitney S Iles – Social Entrepreneur & Community Activist

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Winner: Claudine Adeyemi – The Student Development Company

Claudine is a property disputes solicitor at law firm, Mishcon de Reya. She set up The Student Development Co (The SDC) in January 2014 as a non-profit organisation that she runs on a voluntary basis in her spare time. The SDC aims to:

“Support” 16 to 24 year olds from less advantaged backgrounds who are preparing for their careers after their studies.

“Develop” young people’s employability skills to help reduce youth unemployment.

“Create” opportunities for young people to be inspired to achieve their full potential.

The SDC prides itself on being an organisation that serves young people whilst also being run by young people who are able to develop key skills for their careers. In addition to the online and one-to-one support, The SDC currently has three initiatives.

Runners-Up:

Victoria Olubi – The Tutoress

Laisha Johnson – Venella One World

Julianne Ponan – Creative Nature

Category| SME Business of the Year – sponsored by Barclays

Winner: Halebury – Denise Nurse CEO and Co-founder

Denise Nurse is CEO and co-founder of NewLaw pioneer Halebury, whose model provides General Counsels and business owners with access to exceptional senior in-house legal talent and an alternative career path for senior in-house lawyers. In her role as CEO, Denise focuses on client management and development, product and service innovation, strategy and team building and management.

She was recently appointed as a Board member on Practical Law’s In-house Consultation Board and is also an EMB Executive Committee member for MSDUK, the UK’s leading organisation driving inclusive procurement. She is also a broadcaster who has presented for Sky News, Sky Travel and hosts Escape to the Country for the BBC.

Runners-Up:

Creative Nature – Julianne Ponan, CEO

The Compassionate Funeral Company -Hasina Zaman, CEO

Jamaica Patty Co Limited – Theresa Roberts, Co-Founder

The PRECIOUS Man of the Year

Winner: Solomon Smith The Brixton Soup Kitchen brixtonsoupkitchen.org

Brixton Soup Kitchen was founded when Solomon Smith, a youth worker and lifelong Brixtonian, realised there was a desperate need for such an organisation. Brixton Soup Kitchen is a grassroots organisation helping homeless people and Londoners in need. Since starting in January 2013, over 10,000 meals have been served to those in need. More than just serving food, Brixton Soup Kitchen offers CV workshops, job guidance and advice on housing and benefits. They provide food, support and companionship with no obligation attached. They aim to empower people in a warm and friendly environment.

Runners–Up:

Eddie Nestor

Errol McKellar

2014 - 8th ANNUAL

Venue: Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, London

Keynote Speaker: Angie Greaves, broadcaster

THE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR | SPONSORED BY BIPC

Gina Moffat Blooming Scent

When Gina was sent to Holloway at the age of 25, she thought her world had fallen apart. However, things started to change for Gina when, while still in prison, she signed up for an NVQ in floristry. She had always been interested in flowers and knew that getting a qualification would help her make a better life for herself and her daughters. After the course, Gina spotted a business opportunity and persuaded the prison governor to let her provide floral arrangements for prisoners, visitors and staff. News of its success spread and by the time of her release in 2008, Gina felt confident enough to set up on her own.

Gina launched Blooming Scent at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in Tottenham, providing flowers and floral decorations for people and events. Gina then decided to expand into catering and snapped up a small cafe that had become available at the Centre. Now that she has successfully turned her life around, Gina is determined to help other young people. She has taken on staff in her cafe and likes to help those in need of a second chance – as she once was. @Bloomingscent09

Tweezy is a globally-inspired facial hair removal product combining the art of ‘threading’ into a physical device, transforming costly beauty regimes into a DIY product. Sunny Choudhery is an entrepreneur from London. She has spent time working for various charities (particularly female-oriented ones), and today serves as a Community Ambassador for The Sharan Project. Sunny has always had naturally thick, dark hair. While this is a blessing when it comes to a girl’s crowning glory, it also has the (less glamorous) side effect of producing visible facial hair.

As Sunny has sensitive skin, aggressive bleach and wax treatments were never a viable option. The ancient practice of threading proved to be more suitable, but she still worried about rubbing non-sterile thread against her skin. Sunny was also wary of having her face threaded in the middle of crowded shopping centres, which seemed to be the standard practice. She knew she could easily do herself at home – if only she had the right equipment! Rigorous searching revealed that home-threading devices were flimsy, poorly designed and ineffective. Upon noticing this crucial gap in the market, Sunny immediately decided to invest her savings in launching what she was sure would be the answer to countless women’s prayers: a cost-effective, hygienic and long-lasting DIY hair-removal tool.

Tweezy is currently available for £10 directly through the website, www.tweezy.co.uk. It can also be purchased via Amazon, Victoriahealth.com and several other health & beauty outlets. Encouraged by her business’ whirlwind success, Choudhery now has plans to expand Tweezy into big-name stores early next year. This means that this hygienic, convenient and affordable device has the potential to totally transform hair-removal on a global scale. @EasyTweezy

Runners-Up:

It’s My Magazine Ltd – Krystle Downie | www.itsmymagazine.com

Gina Moffatt | Blooming Scent | @Bloomingscent09

THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Winner: Bianca Miller – The Be Group | http://the-be-group.com

Bianca Miller, founder of The Be Group, is an ambitious and tenacious individual who enjoys working with people to assist in their personal development. Having worked for the world’s largest management and technology consultancy firm in a HR capacity, Bianca has seen and understood what it takes to succeed in a competitive commercial environment. During Bianca’s time at Accenture she was adviser to the graduate population and was tasked by management to collaborate in the creation of the ‘Preparing for Promotion’ initiative; which was created to impart knowledge to the graduates on personal branding for career advancement.

After a short stint in financial recruitment Bianca saw first-hand that there was a need for personal development services for people of all ages for the purposes of employability, career advancement and for increased confidence in their lives as a whole. This is where the initial concept was created. The Be Group was founded on the premise that all people should be able to access services to aid their personal development and to build their personal brand. http://the-be-group.com/

Runners-Up:

Ore Oyeleke | The Surprise Concierge | www.thesurpriseconcierge.com

Guydile Wadu – Source Divine VIP Salon | @VIPSourceDivine

THE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner: Three Sisters Care | www.threesisterscare.co.uk

Jobeda, Rahena and Jaida are the three sisters who founded Three Sisters Care in 2011. Three Sisters Care sends care assistants to help elderly and disabled people in their own homes across London and Essex. Their services include personal care, doing groceries, cooking meals and health care. Our specialties include dementia care, Parkinson’s and autism. We work with young adults as well as the elderly. We currently have 71 care assistants, who are all qualified in health and social care and many also have nursing skills such as catheter care or peg feeding.

Three Sisters identify and train unemployed women, many are mothers, many are ethnic minorities and most have never been employed before. Within 6 months they are able to join the workforce for the first time. @3sisterscare

As Chief Executive of The Princess Diana Award, Tessy is responsible for the overall strategy and development of the Charity. This involves providing sound leadership to the Organisation, developing and expanding current services and developing new services that involve young people tackling social issues, whilst ensuring its long term sustainability, through effective governance, sound finance and delivery of services. Tessy became CEO at a very critical time, when the organisation was coming to the end of its government funding period and with no secured funding for the future. Her first task was therefore to take a step back and build a business plan that was sustainable, innovative and that will secure the longevity of the business.

Within the first few months of her leadership, in consultation with the young people at the heart of the organization, she put together four interrelated programmes which transformed the organisation from a reactive Award giving body, to a proactive need-led youth movement, delivering services aimed at tackling issues faced by young people.

Through these new programmes, along with clear communication plan, the organisation was able to successfully acquire new and a diverse range of funding to deliver its services and continues to grow from strength to strength. Consequently, under Tessy’s leadership, the organisation doubled in size within her first year as CEO, including expanding to other countries.

THE OUTSTANDING WOMAN IN SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY AND MATHEMATICS (STEM)

Winner: Yewande Akinola | Arup | www.arup.com

Yewande is a Design Engineer with engineering consultancy ARUP. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Design and Appropriate Technology from the University of Warwick and a Masters in Innovation and Design for Sustainability from Cranfield University. Yewande’s engineering experience and responsibilities include the design of sustainable water supply systems and the engineering design coordination of large projects in the built environment. She has worked on projects in the U.K., Africa, the Middle East and in East Asia.

Over the years, Yewande has demonstrated her passion for innovation within the engineering industry by taking on the challenge of steering award winning ideas from concept right through registration to manufacture. Her interests in developing countries and emerging markets have inspired her work with charities and non-government organisations towards the development of clean water and sanitation solutions for the world’s underdeveloped regions. She combines her Engineering career with media work and has presented engineering programmes for TV- Discovery Channel, Channel 4 and National Geographic in addition to contributing roles in Radio.

Jasmine Dotiwala is a Producer/Director/Broadcaster/ Columnist who has achieved acclaim in the media for breaking new, young, British talent and making fresh, ground breaking edgy TV programming with A List showbiz celebrities. A professional, multi -faceted TV producer, director, broadcaster and columnist who has delivered solid results, and innovative diverse TV & media that is strategically devised to entertain, promote and grow brand integrity.

Jasmine is a highly experienced, driven, dynamic leader, with the ability to lead a highly effective team and create internationally top rating TV content to tight deadlines and within strict budgets. Jasmine juggles multi-media platforms personally and professionally. She is currently the Executive Producer of LONDON360- a youth news magazine TV show that is made by 120 young Londoners at Media Trust, where she trains and finesses the reporters (who come from diverse backgrounds across the capital), of the future in TV, radio, print press and digital formats.

Jasminedotiwala.co.uk @JasmineDotiwala

Runners-Up:

Kymberlee Jay | Doodle Direct. |www.doodledirect.com/

Elaine Grant | Mousetrap Theatre Projects | www.mousetrap.org.uk

THE BEST DIVERSITY PROGRAMME | SPONSORED BY CREDIT SUISSE

Winner: Eversheds | www.eversheds.com/

Runners-Up:

National Grid | www.nationalgrid.com/uk/

HMRC | www.hmrc.gov.uk/

THE BEST CAREER PROGRESSION PROGRAMME | SPONSORED BY HARVEY NASH

Winner: KPMG

THE PRECIOUS MAN OF THE YEAR | SPONSORED BY BLUE DOT WEALTH

Patrick Vernon

2013 - 7th ANNUAL

Venue: Waldorf Hotel, London

Keynote Speaker: Penny McDonald, Arise TV

Entrepreneur of the Year

Faye Fasan | Chelsea Day Spa

Faye is the founder of The Chelsea Day Spa, a collection of three beautiful urban day spas located on the trendy King’s Road, Hollywood Road and Wandsworth Bridge Road in London with stunning design features reminiscent of a boutique hotel. The spa prides itself in offering luxurious, results driven and affordable beauty and holistic treatments, plus exclusive signature packages with impeccable customer service by experienced, qualified therapists.

Stephanie Busari is a digital producer at CNN.com International charged with project managing and defining the strategic vision of key special projects on the website. She is an experienced and skilled editor who has a keen interest in social media and how it is used to acquire and share information, particularly in breaking news situations. She has written several articles on the subject and appeared as a contributor on television investigating the impact of Twitter. She has been published in many of the UK and international media’s most influential outlets, including the BBC and Daily Mirror newspaper, during more than a decade’s experience in the media. Stephanie began her career in the late 1990s at the London-based newspaper New Nation, aimed at the UK’s black and ethnic minority community. She was instrumental in spearheading several nationwide campaigns that effected UK government policy changes, including the successful campaign for a National Slavery Memorial Day. During a six-month stint in Northern Ireland in 2003, Busari spent time in some of the worst affected areas of “The Troubles” and secured interviews with a crucifixion victim, government ministers and paramilitaries. While there, she also launched and edited an award-winning lifestyle column.

Pilar is founder of My Social Media PA, a Social Media Agency providing affordable Social Media management for small to medium sized businesses and brands. The business aims to ensure clients have a consistent and engaging presence freeing up their time to concentrate on other parts of the business. Pilar studied Business and Management at Brunel University, graduating in 2010. She initially came up with the idea for her business whilst working in digital for a record company during her final year at university. Noticing how popular social media was for musicians and recognising the similar benefits it could have on small businesses. She started the business in 2012 after being made redundant the previous year. Pilar is a passionate entrepreneur – helping to build brands, talent and businesses through Social Media. Since starting her business Pilar has recently been named a London ambassador for Virgin Media.

Runners-Up:

Evadney Campbell MBE & Karen Campbell | Shiloh PR

Hope Davis | Hope School of Dance hopeschoolofdance.com

The Leadership Award sponsored by Reed Smith

Winner: Carlene Firmin | msunderstood.org.uk | |@carlenefirmin

Carlene is the founder of MsUnderstood, an organisation that seeks to address young people’s experiences of gender inequality, working alongside young women and young men to change government policy and shape local services. Founded and headed by Carlene Firmin MBE, it is comprised of a partnership between the University of Bedfordshire, Imkaan, and the Girls Against Gangs project, and at present seeks to improve responses to violence and abuse in young people’s relationships and peer-groups. Carlene spent five years interviewing hundreds of women and girls around England, researching the impact of gang and serious youth violence on their lives. This work led to the Government allocating £1.2 million of funding to develop new services for girls living in gang affected neighbourhoods. Following this she took up the post of Assistant Director at the children’s charity Barnardo’s, heading their work on child sexual exploitation and youth justice. Carlene was the principal policy advisor to the Children’s Commissioner’s Inquiry into sexual exploitation in gangs and groups, changing policy and regulation to improve the protection and care of exploited children. Carlene has spoken at over 250 national and international conferences, and was invited to present at the 54th and 57th sessions on the United Nation’s Commission of the Status of Women in New York, and in became one of the youngest black women to receive an MBE for services to Women and Girls Issues in the 2011 New Years Honours List. Carlene was included in the 2012 and 2013 Black Powerlist, received a London Peace Award in 2008, and featured in Glamour Magazine’s 35 women under-35 in 2011.

Runners-Up:

Jenni Steele

Janice B Gordon, The Problem Solving Company Ltd,

Social Enterprise of the Year sponsored by The Tabernacle

Winner: she is YOU | Caroline Odogwu | sheisyou.co.uk

Caroline Odogwu – She is You sheisyou.co.uk She Is You is a social enterprise that aims to empower young women (under 25) to reach their full potential in life. They provide workshops, events and mentoring, with a heavy focus on raising self-esteem and self-confidence. The organisation provides young women with the tools and skills necessary to achieve their wildest dreams by working in partnership with organisations and carrying out tailored activities Social Enterprise Business of the Year sponsored by The Tabernacle and events within our community to meet their needs and empower them. By working with a cross section of women ‘She Is You’ addresses social, personal and economic needs within inner city communities offering a way out for young ladies who may otherwise be trapped into a life of poverty or social restrictions. The idea is to embed a more empowering mindset into girls & young women, which in turn will broaden their aspirations, encourage them to find their individual voice, take risks, make better life decisions, improve their self-image and become better role models for future generations. Their mission is simply to positively impact a generation of young women to become positive and influential females in today’s society.

Diane is Founder and MD of RM2 Music, a premium booking agency and music management company, specialising in black music. The company provide quality artists and entertainment, ranging from established artists to fresh new talent working with venues and promoters across the UK and Europe. It is working to becoming an industry model of good practise in booking and promoting shows. RM2 also manage artists careers offering them a bespoke package to help further their career helping them generate various income streams and break global territories. Their main objectives are to promote real, live music performed by musicians, to make RM2 Music the centre of UK Black Music, to build the careers of RM2 Music artists and to be the first port of call for promoters and event planners when looking for quality artists.

Runners-Up:

Erika Brodnock – Karisma Kidz karismakidz.co.uk

The Chelsea Day Spa – Faye Fasan thechelseadayspa.co.uk

The PRECIOUS Blogger of the Year sponsored by Pride magazine

Winner: Ashanti Jason is the blogger behind Adorngirl.com, a UK Fashion & Beauty Lifestyle blog. The blog features beauty reviews, coverage of new and established designers, and catwalk photographs. Ashanti is a fashion writer, and is currently the UK Contributing Editor at Societe Perrier and Accessories Editor at Slink Magazine. Ashanti says about her blog “The beauty of fashion is that you never know where it can take you. I write because I love it, and everything you see.

http://adorngirl.com/

Runners-Up:

Gina aka Natural Belle | hairspiration.blogspot.com

Natalie Clue | beautypulselondon.com

THE PRECIOUS MAN OF THE YEAR

Nathaniel Peat | Social Entrepreneur

Nathaniel is a social entrepreneur who founded at the age of 25, the non-profit organization, The Safety Box, which uses grassroots methods to interrupt violent behaviour, build entrepreneurship and foster achievement in young people using alternative curriculum in British schools. In 2007 he was the first double award winner of the Enterprising Young Brits Awards awarded by the former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and 2008 saw him feature on BBC Three reality TV show The Last Millionaire where he was the winner of the third episode in Cairo. Nathaniel was listed on the Courvoisier Observers Future 500 Next Generation List; in 2009 he was a key organiser and speaker of the first Youth Jamaica Diaspora Future Leaders Conference. In 2011 Nathaniel received The London Peace (DREAM) award at City Hall from Mayor Boris Johnson. In 2013, Peat was invited to become a fellow (FRSA) and was the winner of the UPF Youth Achievement Award.

From her studio in Holborn, London, Lenique Louis specializes in the art of Hand Carving Wax Technique. She is one of a very few individuals in Britain that specializes in this rare practice. Lenique is a ring specialist only creating exclusive intricate complex one of a kind statement rings using Gold, Silver , Platinum and Semi- Precious Stones and Pearls. Each ring is hand crafted through every step from design to the making up process, ensuring each product is personal, unique and original. Lenique has also undertaken internships with the oldest jewellers in the world, the Queen’s Jewellers, Garrard and Stephen Webster, enabling her to learn from master craftsmen to perfect her craft. Lenique’s designs combine complex shapes and texture to encapsulate the diversity of nature. Her ambition through her designs and creations is to leave each customer with statement bold rings, which are timeless, unique and captivating to look at. Her rings have now become sought-after statement pieces that sell in London and New York.

Runners Up

Ugonna Hosten, Ugos Boutique

Amie Samba, Fun Run Starz

The PRECIOUS Best Social Enterprise

Joanna Abeyie Shine Media http://shinemediauk.wordpress.com/

Shine Media is a social enterprise business that specialises in training, development and recruitment for aspiring journalists. They provide support both emotionally and professionally for under-privileged young people between the ages of 18-25 years old. Shine pioneer projects within the industry and have been a key player in changing attitudes to diversity within the media industry.

Their services also include practical funding support for academic journalism training and work experience and apprenticeships schemes. Their media partners include the Professional Publishers association, Periodicals Training Council and all major media players including Pearson LTD, ITN, BBC magazines, Media Trust,

Shine Media is run by Joanna Abeyie with the help of a small team. A new fully interactive website with a key media partner is launching in December along with an entertainment website that will allow students to try their hand at professional journalism. @shine_media

Runners Up

A very good company – Natalie Campbell

Urban Synergy – Leila Thomas

The PRECIOUS Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Amie Samba – Run Fun Starz – www.runfunstarz.co.uk

Run Fun Starz is an independent sports organisation Amie initially started and self-financed after graduating as a Sports Science student from University of East London in 2009. She decided to set up Run Fun Starz simply because growing up in Sweden she had always loved playing sports.

She played a lot of football when she moved to London, however, her participation reduced dramatically as she reached her teenage years. This was due to a number of reasons, including school work and peer pressure. Equally she never had the direction or opportunity of places to continue her enjoyment of structured sport. For a girl living in an inner city area, this disadvantage was heightened. Consequently she missed out on a critical stage in skill development and perhaps missed out on reaching her personal best. So she sought out to help others reach theirs.

Nadia Jones works as a support manager for the London Youth Support Trust. LYST helps the young, unemployed aged 18-30 from less advantaged backgrounds achieve financial independence, through self-employment.

Nadia worked as a Business Manager and was a mentor for the Princes Trust for over eight years. In October 2011 she ran a pilot project with National Association and Counsel for Rehabilitation of Offenders (NACRO) in Lambeth where young men aged 16-21, excluded from school, at risk of offending or with an offending background took part in an 8 week basic creative skills project, introducing them to enterprise. This resulted in them displaying and selling their work at a showcase opened by the Mayor of Lambeth, attended by the local community and business people. This project is now under consideration for funding from external sources, targeting young people in Lambeth.

Runners Up

Jenny Garret – Reflexion Associates

Griselda Kumordzie Togobo

The PRECIOUS Best Business

Folayemi Olaitan –1st Court Recruitment- www.1stcrs.com

Launched in 2005, 1st CRT Recruitment is a fast growing dynamic recruitment & training consultancy that specializes in HR & Employment Consultancy and Training Consultancy. The company is now a leading provider of HR solutions for over 35 London and South East Local Authorities.

Under the umbrella of 1st Choice Recruitment and Training Group, Folayemi has also established 2 other subsidiaries to meet the needs of clients; a learning and development subsidiary set up to develop and deliver in-house training and coaching programs to organizations, teams and individuals and a contract cleaning service – for commercial premises and schools.

Runners Up

Toks Aruoture – Punkin Patch Interiors – www.punkinpatch.co.uk

Olive Properties – Christeen Wilson

The PRECIOUS Woman in Public Life

Charlene White – Broadcaster

Charlene is a presenter and journalist for ITV News and ITV London. She has previously worked right across the BBC including 1Xtra, Radio 1, BBC News 24, Radio 5 Live, BBC3 and BBC London. Charlene regularly mentors young people, and has volunteered at several community radio stations, schools and colleges to help them with media training.

She is a member of the Diversity Panel at ITV News and regularly participates in events for the Cultural Diversity Network. She has done work in pupil referral units, with young fathers, worked on films with young people on estates in London and Birmingham and given many talks in schools and colleges across the UK.@CharleneWhite

Runners up

Mendora Ogbogbo

Sanchia Alasia

The PRECIOUS Leadership Award

Marsha Jones – Matron, Newham University NHS Trust @JonesAko

Marsha Jones is one of the youngest Matrons working in postnatal care at Barts Health and one of the few women of colour to hold this role.

Marsha has inspired her colleagues and senior management going above and beyond her role to successfully deliver a number of key projects to improve patient safety and develop the leadership capabilities of her ward team. She is a pro-active go getter with a deep sense of commitment for the well-being of women on her ward, whilst also having the tenacity to forward plan for the future challenges that lie ahead.

Marsha recently shared more of expertise with her local community and became Chair of Governors at the Devonshire Hill Primary School in Enfield, the borough in which she lives. Her role is to ensure the senior leadership team is providing an environment that is safe and stimulating for learners as well as ensuring teachers are delivering teaching of the highest quality whilst maintaining a work life balance.

Runners Up!

Florence Nosegbe – Lambeth Councillor

Rabia Bhatti – Youngest Muslim councillor in Britain

The PRECIOUS Blogger of the Year

Marverine Cole – www.beerbeauty.co.uk

Beer Beauty is the video blog that spreads the word about the beauty in beer to women across the UK.

It’s written and edited by journalist, broadcaster and passionate beer-lover Marverine Cole,

who’s a former Anchor of the five-hour live World News and Business Report programme on Sky news. Marverine is also a documentary producer with programmes for BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC Radio Four already under her belt. However it’s her blog, Beer Beauty, which has set the beer and pub industry alight: already winning Marverine the accolade of being the first ever woman to win a Gold Award from the British Guild of Beer Writers for the documentary feature she produced and presented about women and beer on BBC Inside Out.

Her independent and non-monetised blog dispels some of the myths about beer being a man’s drink, about beer being fattening and high in alcohol. Marverine makes personal recommendations about different beers, pubs and bars, and she also reveals fascinating facts about beer, e.g. history pointing to the African origins of beer thousands of years ago and the drink being ‘invented’ by women! @beerbeauty

Runners Up

Yinka Echols – Vex in the City www.vexinthecity.com

Minna Salami – MsAfropolitan – www.msafropolitan.com

The PRECIOUS Man of the Year

Winner! International Speaker, Coach and Storyteller, David McQueen

David McQueen describes himself as storyteller, youth advocate and social commentator. He is passionate about leadership for business and the community through effective communication and storytelling.

David is an international speaker and presenter and has had the pleasure of speaking at conferences, businesses and networking groups across the world for companies such as Shell, BP, Channel 4, BBC and at conferences such as TEDx, iGenius, Career Academies and Schools and Specialist Academies Trust. Through his company Magnificent Minds he not only speaks but delivers workshops, coaching and programmes on leadership and presentation skills. A prolific networker he also has a passion for connecting people and ideas.

David is a TV Presenter and has been the host of Pioneers TV, an online platform for young entrepreneurs started by Virgin Media. In it he got to interview established and up and coming entrepreneurs including Sir Richard Branson, Dan McGuire, Jessica Huie and rising youth star Jamal Edwards. As a result this work has helped David to be a mentor to a number of up and coming entrepreneurs in the UK in retail, entertainment, education, technology and media. David’s passion is for helping young people to step into their own as citizens and future workers. For over 23 years he has worked passionately as a speaker, mentor, youth worker and trainer. This work has taken him to Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America and The Caribbean.@DavidMcQueen

Runners Up

Errol Douglas MBE

Patrick Clarke OBE

By engaging with partners like Cause4, Enterprising Women, and now PRECIOUS, the Breakthrough programme supports female entrepreneurs through facilitating Business education programmes, Mentor schemes for Women Business Leaders, and bespoke events.

Read more about Category Sponsor BIPC

CATEGORY SPONSOR

Creative Business of the Year

Business & IP Centre

We have supported the PRECIOUS Awards since its inception in 2007 and now PRECIOUS is one of our valued partners at the BIPC.